Cannabis Studies FAQ
What is cannabis?
Cannabis is a botanical genus of a group of plants that are biologically similar. Cannabis sativa is a plant that has been used in different ways to produce what is referred to as hemp and marijuana. The difference between the two versions is the amount of THC produced by the plant. Hemp produces less than 0.3% THC and therefore has no psychoactive effects. Hemp seed is found in bird seed mixes and is used for fiber, oil and numerous other legal applications. Marijuana (medical or used for recreation) is the same plant, but it produces a different chemical fingerprint with a THC level higher than 0.3%, which may produce a psychoactive response in a user.
The Cannabis Studies Program at Roanoke College will always use the term cannabis rather than marijuana because cannabis is a botanical name and most accurately represents the plants being studied. The term cannabis incorporates both hemp and marijuana, but marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug at the federal level; hemp is not. Marijuana is also a racially charged term with a checkered past, so Roanoke prefers to use the term cannabis.
Will Roanoke College grow THC-containing marijuana?
No. For the safety of our students, and in compliance with federal law, Roanoke College will only grow hemp varieties of the cannabis plant. Those varieties contain less than 0.3% THC and therefore are not psychoactive. The use of hemp-only varieties provides students complete exposure to the scientific training they will need to be successful in a chosen field within the cannabis industry.
What is the Cannabis Studies Program at Roanoke?
Our Cannabis Studies Program will offer students two majors, a minor and a concentration. One major, which culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree, will focus on the science of the industry, exploring botany, biology and chemistry. A second major, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree, will focus on the governmental policy around cannabis legislation, giving students perspective on the history of the plant, its regulation and prohibition in the U.S. and around the world, and the consequences for different populations.
Because the cannabis industry is rapidly growing and changing at all levels of government, the educational framework of our program will change with it to ensure that students are given the most up-to-date education for a career in this industry. Industry leaders will help shape the program and provide internships for our students.
How will the Cannabis Studies Program at Roanoke College prepare students for the cannabis industry?
The program will provide a core curriculum that ensures each student is competent in cultural, historic and botanical aspects of cannabis. From there, students may choose to follow a scientific major or a social justice and policy major.
Industry leaders, lawyers, business owners and government officials will be an active group of advisors for this program, and their conversations with academic leaders at Roanoke will help ensure that our program and curriculum evolve along with this rapidly changing industry.
Through the two major tracks, students will be matched with internships and experiences that develop them into future industry leaders.
How will the Cannabis Studies Program at Roanoke College interact with campus and the community?
The program will work with Roanoke College Campus Safety, Student Life and local law enforcement to provide strong leadership in drug education and policy. As a result, our campus will have a stronger understanding of drugs and their effects.
The program will also work alongside community leaders amid the constantly evolving landscape of legal and social change.
Have any current Roanoke College students expressed an interest in this program?
Yes! Both current and prospective students have expressed an interest in this program, and several current students have indicated they plan to declare the major. In addition, we began offering a biology course this semester, the Entomology of Cannabis, that filled up in record time and had a lengthy waiting list. We are excited to provide cutting-edge academic programming for the students of today and tomorrow.